WASHINGTON — On Monday, the White House embarked on new construction endeavors ordered by President Donald Trump, which include covering the grass in the Rose Garden and setting up flagpoles on both the north and south lawns.
These ventures reflect a series of personal alterations made by Trump, who transitioned from a career in real estate development to politics. Since the inception of his second term in January, Trump has been implementing changes to the Executive Mansion and its surroundings. These modifications comprise installing new artwork featuring himself on the walls and adding gold accents within the Oval Office. Additionally, there’s a plan to introduce a ballroom.
Reporters on Monday observed initial activities in the Rose Garden, adjacent to the Oval Office’s south grounds, as they waited on the South Lawn for Trump’s return from an overnight stay at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, via the Marine One helicopter.
Images revealed that sections of a limestone border, introduced by first lady Melania Trump during an earlier Rose Garden renovation in Trump’s first term, had been removed. The grass in certain spots had also been excavated. A White House official reported that National Park Service staff, responsible for maintaining White House grounds, initiated this work on Monday. The project is planned to conclude in approximately two months, around early August, according to the official, who wished to remain anonymous while discussing proposed modifications to the Executive Mansion.
After alighting from the helicopter, Trump approached a bulldozer stationed on the South Lawn to commence digging the foundation for one of the two flagpoles he pledged in April. These flagpoles will be positioned on the South Lawn and the North Lawn, respectively.
Trump expressed that the installation of two “beautiful” flagpoles is personally funded, stating, “they’ve needed flagpoles for 200 years.” Currently, American and POW/MIA flags are flown daily on the White House roof.
The Republican president announced months prior his intention to cover the Rose Garden because persistently wet grass poses challenges for women wearing high heels. It remains uncertain whether he will personally fund this endeavor.
Last week, Trump shared on his social media platform about the ballroom he promised, describing it as “compliments of a man known as Donald J. Trump.” On Friday, he mentioned reviewing the ballroom site, asserting it will be a “wonderful addition” and exemplifies the “’fun’ projects I do while contemplating matters such as the World Economy, the United States, China, Russia, and numerous other countries, places, and events.”